There’s a lot to consider when planning an event for your company: location, food, attendees. It all adds up and it can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together these top 10 tips for a successful company event! We hope they leave you with some inspiration and will help you manage your medium-sized business event.
1) Decide on the location
There are plenty of options for this depending on what your budget is like. The venue does matter, though. You must pick a venue that is central and also supports your budget. For example, if you are hosting an event at a bowling alley and have limited financial resources, then you may have to go with it. If you have the money, then look for a venue that has ample parking and is convenient to the location of your company or even close by.
2) Have an established theme or agenda
It’s important to have a schedule of company events planned. Book a venue that can accommodate the time frame you have in mind throughout the entire evening. You don’t want to get kicked out because of the curfew. Having the ability for your company to reserve the space for a certain amount of hours will help you stay on track and not miss out on your event. Also, if you want attendees to look professional, make sure they are dressed appropriately as well.
3) Go through the contract and make sure that everything is included
A company event is not an event just because there will be food and a few entertainers. You also have to have drinks, ice, and other amenities. Find out what exactly they will provide or commit to in writing so nothing comes up at the last minute. It’s also a good idea to make sure that you have enough food, desserts, drinks, and even clean up after your event.
4) Decide on the entertainment
Are you going to hire a band or do you want a live performance? It’s important to be mindful of everything going on during the event. You don’t want to have an entertainer that isn’t quite up to par with what you expected. That will only leave you with a bad taste in your mouth and not an enjoyable experience for your guests. Additionally, hire people that are reliable, responsible, and pleasant.
5) Decide on the cuisine
This comes down to budget and personal preferences. We know that this is a big decision for a lot of people, so let’s break it down even further. You can always use a buffet table or go with the hot meals and hors d’oeuvres. If you want to ensure that your guests leave satisfied, go with the full-course meal option or if they want something cheap and easy, then opt for some finger foods.
6) Decide on the beverages
For something like wine or beer, you can easily do it on your own. If you want to go with something a little fancier, we recommend speaking with a professional to plan your company event. They know what drink pairs well with what foods and also how to properly manage the bar without overspending or running out of stock.
7) Plan on how you want the event to go
This goes back to the location and everything that is going to be taking place throughout the night. You have to plan how you will entertain your guests, how you will set up, what drinks or food options you’re going to have, where your money should be spent, and also how many people will be present at the venue. Don’t forget that if there’s a bad storm or an emergency occurs, this must be taken into consideration as well.
8) Visit Your Location and Perform Rehearsals
Most of the time, you are going to have a rehearsal for a one-night event. These rehearsals will help you check if everything will be in working order and if there is anything that needs to be corrected before the actual company event. Omit, it helps you familiarize yourself with the space so that you can plan out what events are going to take place where and when.
9) Be ready for whatever comes your way
Things happen, that’s why you have to be ready for any scenario. Think about what will happen if someone is not planning on attending. This is a good time to ask people if they are bringing a guest and remind them to do so. Additionally, you can use this to ask them about any foods or drinks that they may want or need for the event and make note of them in the contract.
10) Maintain a positive attitude
No matter what, it’s important to keep a positive attitude. If something goes wrong or you are running late. Try to stay calm and find work around the problem. If you are too stressed out or overwhelmed, your guests will pick up on this and they won’t have an enjoyable experience. Find ways to relax and make sure that everything runs smoothly at your event.
There are so many things to consider when planning a company event. This can be a daunting task, but you must take your time and do it right the first time. Your company and attendees will be grateful to you for giving them a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Things To Keep In Mind While Planning Your Company Event
1. Plan for all contingencies
A lot of things can go wrong when you plan a company event. Even if something doesn’t, your company will still appreciate you for preparing for the outcomes.
2. Think about everything that will happen as the night progresses
Do you need more food? Make sure there’s enough at your venue. Do you need more drinks? Check your supply. Do you need a card reader? Make sure it’s working and can handle the number of people that will be using it.
3. Keep the company in check
If you want everything to flow smoothly, properly communicate what is going to happen during the event to everyone in your company who will be attending. This includes your vendors, entertainers, and even other companies attending.
4. Have the budget in mind
This goes back to how much you can afford to spend. Have an estimate and stick with it. This way, you don’t overspend and don’t have the option of asking for the money when things don’t work out. It’s always important to keep in mind your company budget and make sure that you stay within it.
5. Enjoy the event!
Once everything is said and done, think about what went well and what could have gone better. Over time, you’ll learn how to plan your next company event so that it will be even more enjoyable.
Conclusion:
When planning a company event or gathering, it’s important to keep in mind the reasons why you are doing this in the first place. We have all been in those situations where we have to attend a meeting or an event that’s for our company only. Sometimes, these events are really low key and you don’t need to worry about planning much. Yet, there are times when you need to throw a little extra effort into it.
See some related posts here: Are you making plans for your wedding day